Get paid work experience, tuition-free college coursework, a California Associate Teacher Permit, and a rewarding career in Early Childhood Education (ECE).
Program Details
The Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) Educator Preparation Programs (EPP) offers a new and
Early Learning Apprenticeship Program focused on the
Family Childcare Home Program (FCCH) setting, in collaboration with
De Anza College.
The Family Childcare Home Apprenticeship is designed for assistants currently working in licensed home-based childcare programs. This program provides hands-on experience, practical classroom skill development, and a clear pathway toward earning the
Associate Teacher Permit - all through
tuition-free college coursework and
comprehensive support.
Apprentices participate in a
cohort model, enrolling at De Anza College and completing
five required courses - one per quarter. All classes are held on
Saturdays to support working professionals. Participants also gain
on-the-job training in their licensed FCCH setting while recieving tutoring, coaching, and college-level instruction aligned with California credentialing requirements.
This opportunity is intended for
FCCH assistants, not program owners. However,
FCCH owners interested in supporting an assistant’s participation are encouraged to reach out for more information at ApprenticeshipPrograms@sccoe.org.
PROGRAM SUMMARY:
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Location: De Anza College
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Length: 5 quarters (1 course per quarter)
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Class Schedule: Saturday classes only
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Credential Pathway: Child Development Associate Teacher Permit
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Mentorship: Provided by licensed FCCH program owners
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Program Type: Apprenticeship for assistants (not owners)
Financial Assistance & Employment
Participants in the Family Childcare Home Apprenticeship Program receive comprehensive financial and employment support:
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Tuition and textbooks for all required classes are fully covered.
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A
California residency
requirementmay apply for college: participants must have lived in California for at least one year and one day and be able to provide proof of residency.
- Apprentices earn
paid, on-the-job hours as part of a state-registered apprenticeship, completing
2,000 paid hours toward program completion.
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Wages increase as apprentices demonstrate new skills and progress through the program.
Apprenticeship Placements
Apprentices gain hands-on experience by
working in a licensed family childcare home while enrolled in the program.
Weekly
mentor meetings help connect classroom learning with real-world routines and practices in early learning settings.
*Note: Applicants who are
not currently employed in an early learning or family childcare setting must
secure a position with a participating site before they can be hired and officially enrolled in the apprenticeship program.
Who are the Best Candidates for this Program?
The Early Childhood Education FCCH apprenticeship program is ideal for individuals who:
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Currently work as assistants in licensed family childcare homes.
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Represent and reflect the languages and cultures of the diverse families they serve.
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Come from underrepresented or underserved communities and seek a clear, supported pathway into the Early Childhood Education profession.
- Have a
passion for working with young children and are ready to
commit to a consistent schedule of work and study.
- Have
not yet completed the 12 required ECE units needed for an Associate Teacher Permit.
Courses run while you are employed in a family child care home, on Saturdays.
De Anza Community College Sample Sequence:
- Child Growth and Development (4 units) — Spring 2025
- Child, Family, and Community (4 units) — Summer 2025
- Principles and Practices in Education (4 units) — Fall 2025
- Intro to Curriculum for Early Childhood Programs (4 units) — Winter 2026
- Infant and Toddler Development (4 units) — Spring 2026
Our program offers a supportive, hands-on pathway to advance your career in early childhood education. Participants benefit from:
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Earn-and-learn structure – gain real job experience while completing college coursework.
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Paid work experience through a registered apprenticeship.
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Tuition-free classes and textbooks, plus access to
study groups, tutoring, mentoring, success coaching, and translation services (as available).
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Cohort-based learning with peer support and community partners who assist with placement and ongoing support.
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Convenient class schedule – all courses are held on weekday evenings to accommodate working learners.
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Clear course sequence and expectations, with guidance to help apprentices stay on track and succeed (attendance, weekly mentor time, grade of C or better, tutoring if needed).
- Upon completion,
earn the Associate Teacher Permit and become eligible for positions in the early care and education field, working with young children.
Graduates of the Family Childcare Home Apprenticeship Program are prepared for a variety of roles in licensed family childcare settings, including:
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Assistant or
Substitute in a licensed family childcare home.
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Family Childcare Home (FCCH) Owner
These positions align with the Associate Teacher Permit and meet the needs of local early learning employers, helping apprentices continue to grow in their early childhood education (ECE) careers.
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Do I need experience?
No. The apprenticeship includes supervised work hours and coaching. -
How much school is it?
You complete the 12 ECE units for the Associate Teacher Permit in a set sequence with your cohort. -
Are classes in English?
Yes. Tutoring and study groups are in English. Translation help may be available. -
Will I automatically be placed in a job?
No. If you are not already working in an early learning center, you will need to apply for a job at a participating center before you can be hired and enrolled in the apprenticeship program. Only assistants who are already employed by a participating family child care home owner can join the program.
New job placements are not arranged through SCCOE. -
Will I be paid?
Apprentices complete paid on-the-job hours as part of a registered apprenticeship (2,000 hours). Center-Based includes wage steps with skill gains. -
What are my responsibilities?
Show up on time for all classes and program activities, meet weekly with your mentor, maintain a C or better grade, and tell staff early if you have any issues.
